The Tribune

By Yan Jiarong

Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas

MANY Bahamians have shared with me the advantages of driving electric vehicles (EVs), especially in light of rising fuel prices caused by conflicts in the Middle East. The conclusion is clear: EV adoption is vital for The Bahamas as it reduce emissions, strengthens energy security and mitigates the impact of global fuel volatility. 

I was delighted to attend the launch ceremony for Hongqi new energy vehicles entering the Bahamian market. Other Chinese brands such as BYD have also entered the market, offering diverse choices for Bahamian consumers. 

The Tribune reported recently a significant global shift towards Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), driven by competitive pricing and advanced technology. The Tribune rightly pointed out that “electric cars will be vital in the fight against climate change.” China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of new energy vehicles. In 2025, output reached 16.6 million units, ranking first globally for the 11th consecutive year. By the end of that year, nearly 60% of new cars sold in China were new energy vehicles, saving about 85 million tons of crude oil annually and reducing dependence on imports. 

While the conflicts in the Middle East have driven oil prices sharply higher, observers note that China’s fastest development of the world’s largest renewable energy system has significantly boosted its energy resilience. Today, renewable energy accounts for around 60% of China’s installed power generation capacity, meaning one in every three kilowatt-hours consumed comes from green power. 

During the first four years of the 14th Five-Year Plan, China reduced energy consumption per unit of GDP by 11.6%. Its clean energy products — from photovoltaic equipment to wind power facilities and EVs — have been exported to more than 200 countries and regions. China also leads global energy investment, accounting for over 30% of the world total, with more than 70% directed toward clean energy. 

China’s contributions extend beyond energy. It is the world’s largest contributor to afforestation, having added more than 1.1 billion mu of forest since 2012. In 2025 alone, China restored or improved degraded grassland equivalent to six times the total area of The Bahamas. As the saying goes, “The person who plants a tree plants a hope.”

The year 2026 marks the beginning of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. President Xi Jinping has emphasized that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.” Guided by this vision, China will accelerate the green transition of economic and social development, including enhancing pollution control, ecosystem restoration, and the transition to a new energy system. By 2035, China’s economy-wide net greenhouse gas emissions are projected to decline by 7–10% from peak levels, laying the foundation for a climate-resilient society. 

This progress underscores why I have often emphasized that China–Bahamas green cooperation holds enormous potential. 

As the Bahamian proverb reminds us, “Sun hot, but it give light.” The Bahamas is blessed with abundant solar and wind resources. Harnessing these could lower electricity bills and reduce reliance on imported fuel. Imagine hotel shuttles and tour buses powered by locally generated solar energy — a living emblem of zero-carbon tourism. China has already helped deliver the international zero-carbon island cooperation project in Grenada, where photovoltaic and energy storage systems installed for local households generate 10-15 kilowatt-hours of electricity per day, fully meeting the daily household energy needs, offering hope to small island developing states in addressing the climate change. 

Prime Minister Davis has rightly noted that China’s climate efforts are “of great importance to the future of humanity.” Cooperation between our two countries already extends beyond energy into agriculture, disaster prevention, and other fields. 

Over the past two and a half years, Chinese agricultural experts have worked with Bahamian counterparts to introduce climate-adapted crops and water-saving irrigation technologies. These programs, supported by China’s nearly USD 1 million in investment, have trained more than 300 Bahamian people and provided greenhouses, rotary tillers, and other equipment to strengthen Bahamian agriculture. 

After Hurricane Dorian in 2019, China provided over USD 600,000 in cash and material assistance. In 2022, China established the China–Caribbean Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Fund, through which The Bahamas has received USD 224,000 in support. Ten Bahamian officials have also participated in Chinese training courses on disaster risk management. 

Looking ahead, China is ready to align its 15th Five-Year Plan with The Bahamas’ development agendas. Guided by China’s third Policy Document on Latin America and the Caribbean, we will deepen cooperation in agriculture, public health, education, culture, disaster prevention etc. We will also jointly tap the potential in infrastructure, green transition, and the blue economy. Together, we will enhance The Bahamas’ capacity for sustainable development. 

We are confident that China–Bahamas exchanges will continue to improve the well-being of our peoples and write a new chapter of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit — advancing the lofty goal of building a community with a shared future for humanity.